Related to air for flangers is air and/or steam for pile driver OB and derrick OP. Air (or electricity) is normally used for such equipment nowadays. Considering the size of the air compressors on locomotives, steam was probably used for OB and OP. Do any of the Ks, alive or dead, show evidence of steam lines for external use?
I was on the gang that replaced the roof on OP's hoist house. Not authentic (we used rubber), this roof is temporary - good for maybe 10 years - until the rebuild of OB is complete and it returns to Chama. Truck to Antonito, C&TSR to Chama; time to assemble a "work train" to accompany it? Enough dreaming, now back to OP. The long range plan is to completely rebuild OP, at the CS shop. Even though it looks presentable for photographers, it is really showing it's age.
Humor department: To replace the roof, we temporarily removed the steamline that entered the hoist house thru the roof. With appropriate wrenches, cheaters, and an oilcan from the Tool Car, plus what muscle we could muster, we were able to open the threaded connections without damage. When the roof was complete, we reinstalled the steamline. This time we made the joints "hand-tight". Looks great.
My first two construction projects after school were bridges in Marysville and Mt. Vernon, Washington. We leased a steam powered, barge mounted WW II vintage crane, owned by Foss Tug of Seattle. Remarkable machine, quite an experience for the operators. Steam was great for piledriving. To the best of my knowledge, Foss keeps it at their Ship Canal docks. Look for a really long and heavy boom, without jib. Always available for lease.
